Waiting for the president in Denny Blaine

Rebecca O'Connor, holding her newborn daughter, Elle Cooper-O'Connor, joined others near the home of the Blume family to welcome President Obama who was attending a fundraising brunch at the home early this afternoon. O'Connor says she is a gay parent. (Photo by John Lok / The Seattle Times)

Posted by Lynn Thompson / Seattle Times staff reporter

About 50 people gathered at Viretta Park in the Denny Blaine neighborhood, across the street from the home of Bruce and Ann Blume, to get a glimpse of the presidential motorcade.

Sandy Chock-Eng, who grew up in Hawaii, wore her socks with Hawaiian flags on the side. “I’m planning to shout “Aloha Mr. President!” President Obama spent some of his childhood in Hawaii.

Rebecca O’Connor came with her 3-month-old daughter in a stroller, and a bright sign that said, “Thank You Mr. President For Standing Up For My Mommys!”

She said she wanted to show her support for the president who yesterday announced his support of gay marriage.

“What are the chances that the president would be in my city the day after he makes an historic announcement? And for her,” she said, gesturing to her daughter, “how cool is that?”

About The Today File

The Today File is a general news blog featuring real-time coverage of Seattle and the Northwest. It is reported by the news staff of The Seattle Times and includes stories from The Associated Press and McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.